"Softening" Hard Surface Areas - #1

Have you ever really looked at your table-tops in your home and noticed whether or not the surfaces just looked "hard"?  Hard... meaning all hard objects and nothing to "soften" the look. This happens to be one of our pet peeves in design and is really an important element that is so often overlooked. We always try to "soften" these hard surfaces in each of our design projects we do. Today, I will feature Part 1 as we begin a little series in which will give you a couple of easy tips in how you can give a little TLC to your table-tops that will completely change the effect in your room. 

Take a look at what we mean by a "hard" surface look here...

Now, keep in mind, I am NOT critiquing this wonderful design, by a world famous designer I might add, but just using this as my example of design without "softening". OK, now that I have that clear...

The first way is to simply add flowers.  Most of the time, in our designs, we don't use real flowers, but if you happen to perhaps have a green-thumb and want to use fresh flowers, then by all means....do it!  Take a look at how even artificial flowers just seem to make the tables a little more..."Simply Irresistible"...and soft.

Notice how flowers were used on more than one table in the same room (and even on the bed!)...it's not too much, but very pleasing to the eye. If you eliminated the flowers here you would have left only lots of "hard" surfaces on that far wall.  

Even just the smallest touch of flowers will do the trick!

Don't be afraid to mix flowers with stems...and stagger the heights...what a great look here!

A lovely variety is used here to "soften" the look in various spots around the room.

Hopefully, you can easily see how such a simple accessory as a floral arrangement can truly "soften" the table-top and make it much more 'easy on the eye'...and help bring an inviting feeling into the room.  Stay tuned for more tips in Part 2 of our series to help you "soften" your table-tops.

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Ta-Ta!

Photo Credits: Elle Decor, Tobi Fairley, Danielle Oakley Interiors, M. Elle, Kendall Wilkinson.

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!